Huronia Fesitval of Arts and Crafts

The main attraction, indeed the heart of Kempenfest is the 375 Art and Craft exhibitors in this juried show - one of the largest outdoor arts and crafts shows in North America. There's always lots of new and exciting exhibitors each year. Categories include Home Crafts, Sculpture, Pottery, Glass, Photography, Painting, Carving and much more. Kempenfest has been named one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario consistently for the past 8 years.  

 OLG Presents Music

Our main stage, sponsored by OLG Presents Music, operates Friday evening with a kick off concert with Kim Mitchell, and Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 10pm - Saturday is rock day featuring tribute bands Face 2 Face (Elton John and Billy Joel) Pauly and the Goodfellas (MoTown Rock, Blues Brothers, Village People) and The Fab Four. Sunday is Country day with headliners The Wilkinsons. Monday is the Martels. Our new venue on the south shore has been expanded to hold 4000 patrons.

Optimist Antique Show  

The Optimist antique show has been a main event at Kempenfest for over 37 years. Thirty Five dealers are on site with antique furniture, collectibles, and much more. 

Kids Stuff - lots to do at Kempenfest 

There's lots to do for kids at Kempenfest. From the exciting Traveling Theme Park to the children's village at the South Shore, to arts and crafts demonstrations for kids, there's no reason to leave the youngsters at home. And if that's not enough, check out the accessible playground at Centennial Beach and take the kids for a dip in Barrie's popular waterfront beach. Summer is for kids, and so is Kempenfest.

YMCA Children's Village

Kempenfest is for kids! Bring the entire family to Kempenfest this year and enjoy activities all day long. Start your day on the south shore at the YMCA Children’s Village, where there is an exciting array of games, crafts, and activities.

Get your hands busy doing some crafts, ride a pony, learn to juggle, paint your face or fly your very own kite. Kids of all ages can try something new or just have some fun at one of our more than 20 activities. YMCA staff have scheduled an exciting array of activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. In addition to a rock climbing wall there will be jumping castles and pony rides and BBQ lunch. Create some wonderful crafts or challenge Mom and Dad to one of the games - you may win a great prize.

Experience joyful interaction and spontaneous entertainment from our jugglers, clowns and wandering minstrels. The YMCA Children’s Village is active and affordable; some activities have a small cost associated with them. All proceeds will go to the Barrie YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign which helps provide financial assistance to families and children.

Your next stop should be the Robertson Traveling Theme Park Midway – sure to thrill your kids for many hours. The hot attraction again this year is Drop Zone. Go ahead, join them for a tummy turning trip. Fun? Wow!

Kempenfest chooses to partner with Robertson Amusements because of their impeccable safety record, the clean and attractive rides, and their friendly and helpful staff.  Have some fun at the midway.

And even if you take away everything Kempenfest has to offer your kids you’re still left with one the favourite parks there is in Barrie. Between the accessible playground, sandy white beach and the mini putt, Centennial Park is one of Barrie’s most popular parks. So if all else fails, make sure you pack a swimsuit and go jump in the lake with your kids. You’ll both love it.

When all else fails. . . there's Centennial Beach!